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Ken started his career as an engineer/physicist within the US Navy. Since then, he’s been a growth-stage B2B SaaS specialist helping to successfully grow multiple companies to IPO and acquisition. Ken is a former Chief Product Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Customer Officer, Chief Operating Officer and multi-time CEO. Ken has engineering degrees from RPI and Virginia Tech and an MBA from Stanford where he was an Arjay Miller scholar.
Keshia is one of BDev Ventures' Partners. Previously, she served as the VP of Investment, leading BDev Ventures in backing more than 50 startups globally, including high-growth Silicon Valley companies such as Pinata Rent, MGT Insurance, and Pipo Health. Under her leadership, 25% of the firm’s portfolio companies achieved markups. Her strategic vision and hands-on support have helped founders scale quickly and responsibly.
Keshia was recently named a 2025 Woman of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. This annual award honors women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community impact across Silicon Valley.
Ryan Bateman is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Sands Capital, where he has led technology strategy and cybersecurity since 2011. Before joining Sands Capital, he held senior technology roles at Ipreo and FBR Capital Markets, including directing global sales, trading, and equity capital markets systems.
Jinny Lee is leading Venture Operations at Samsung Next, where she leads portfolio management for over 350+ companies at the Samsung Next Fund. Prior to joining Next, she was a Senior Consultant in EY Korea's digital transformation team, advising clients on strategy and operational excellence.
Kyle specializes in boosting early sales for Gradient portfolio companies, offering both tactical support in closing deals and support establishing effective sales processes. He also provides strategic insights on sales team expansion and market positioning, playing a pivotal role in scaling startups from zero to over $1M in revenue.
Previously, Kyle worked on Google’s enterprise sales team, where he helped large customers drive revenue across advertising products and tech platforms. Before that, Kyle led Sales and Customer Success teams at startups and big companies, including building a B2B SaaS startup from $0 to $18M in ARR. He holds a BS in Marketing from Boston College.
Away from work, Kyle is passionate about outdoor activities, often found running, biking, and skiing in Boulder, CO, with his wife and two sons.
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